With the Revelstoke Theatre Company about to put its most controversial play to rest after Friday, May 23, we thought this might be an opportune to show a selection of the terrific production photos taken for the company by photographer Jason Portras.
The Theatre Company has produced many excellent and thought-provoking plays over the years, but this one really does stand out.
Enjoy!
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenaged Blockhead closes on Friday, May 23. If you haven’t seen it you should. With its frank exploration of sexuality, identity, substance abuse, violence and bullying this is easily one of the most controversial plays performed by the Revelstoke Theatre in the last decade. Although the characters are loosely based on the gang from Charles Shultz’s popular Peanuts comic strip, this is not theatrical fare intended for everyone. In this scene Beethoven (Benjamin Menzies) and CB (Jordan Walsh) prepare to kiss. Jason Portras photography The acting in this play by American playwright Bert Royal is quite good. The members of the cast are all young people and their ability to act like teens — right down to the resentment and moodiness expressed here by Benjamin Menzies — seems authentic. Jason Portras photography The doctor is in and she is definitely psychotic. Ana Polo plays Lucy to Walsh’s Charlie Brown in one of the very interesting scenes in the play. She has been institutionalized for setting fire to “the little red-haired girl’s” tresses. Jason Portras photography The average teen’s quest for an identity to call their own was wonderfully expressed by Felicia Van Leur, who played the role of CB’s sister, Sally. Jason Portras photography Sex and drugs are two of the intertwined themes in this play. Here, Linus Van Pelt (Justin Smith) shares some dope with Sally a few minutes before seducing her. Jason Portras photography In one of the most explicit and shocking scenes, Beethoven kisses CB, setting the stage for a short-lived homosexual affair between the two. This moment has violent, brutal and tragic consequences. Jason Portras photography Oh, it’s time to party! Remember those years? Sneaking some booze from your dad’s bar, getting someone to buy you some beer or wine? As teens we felt empowered and adult even though it was just the alcohol talking. Chris Fusick as Matt (aka Pig-Pen) has fun with Hailey Christie-Hoyle as Tricia (aka Peppermint Patty) and Danielle Foisy as (Marcie) while an alienated-feeling CB looks on. Jason Portras photography Beethoven’s fling with CB has violent consequences when he is stalked and confronted by Matt. How many adults can look back at their teen years and not recall someone being bullied… even beaten? Jason Portras photography Sally is grief-stricken at the news that Beethoven is no more. Sorrow, however, is not universally shared. Jason Portras photography Ultimately, though, life comes full circle. The last performance of Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is being held Friday, May 23, at McGregor’s in the Powder Springs Inn. The play starts at 7:30 pm. ONLINE TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW ARE SOLD OUT. CALL THE BOX OFFICE FOR AVAILABILITY AT THE DOOR. 250-837-5151. Jason Portras photography